The Local Food Connection is a program working to support the economy of neighboring communities in West Baltimore by using institutional purchasing power. Small but frequent catering purchases are an ideal way to build reliable revenue streams that help neighborhoods retain food businesses that hire local workers, improve local properties, and make food available to community members. This event is an opportunity for small, locally owned businesses to show institutional and individual consumers options available to them for catering, delivery, and/or near-campus dining. It’s also an opportunity to volunteer and support this event while sampling products from Plant Bliss, a local wholesaler specializing in vegan spreads and Marantos Bakery, Baltimore’s oldest Italian bakery specializing in hearth Italian bread! Volunteer Roles include: Registration check-in Support caterer’s drop-off Event breakdown and clean-up Volunteers also get a chance to sample catering options!!

Join the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Services for a trash cleanup of campus to #KeepUMBBeautiful! Drop by our basecamp at the main entrance of HSRF III at the beginning of your shift to check in and get supplies. You will be assigned to help clean a specific zone of campus during your shift(s). Swing back by basecamp at the end of your shift(s) to drop off your full trash bags. Basecamp will be located at the main entrance to HSRF III (670 W. Baltimore St.).   Check out more events and activities for Earth Month 2025.

Get your hands dirty for clean water and a greener Baltimore! Join Blue Water Baltimore staff as we plant street trees in the Johnston Square neighborhood. Volunteers new to planting trees and expert TreeKeepers alike are welcome to attend. Our tree planting projects are rain or shine, and we recommend closed-toed shoes and clothing that is appropriate for the weather and getting dirty. Hats, sunblock, and sunglasses are strongly encouraged. We ask volunteers to bring a reusable water bottle to reduce waste. We provide work gloves, hand tools, and snacks but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. Residents of Johnston Square are eligible for $30 incentives for completion of this volunteer event.

The Girls on the Run 5K race is a celebration of completion for our program. This closing event gives program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line instills confidence through completion and is a joyful moment program participants always remember! Everyone in our program receives a commemorative medal to celebrate this incredible achievement. This would not be possible without the help of amazing volunteers who believe in our mission and show up to support our girls. Whatever your special skills and talents, we have a role for everyone!!   Volunteer roles include:Set-up and Tear Down Start & Finish Line Support Bib Pick-Up Course Marshals Running Buddies Water Stations Post Race Refreshments Cheer Stations Happy Hair Bling Your Bib

Community Meals are an opportunity for community members, UMB students, faculty and staff to sit down and enjoy a delicious meal together from a local restaurant while learning more about opportunities offered by the Office of Community Engagement and our local partners. Community meal occur quarterly and alternate between lunch and dinner. Registration is required to volunteer for community meals.  Volunteers are needed to support with set up, food serving, greeting, sign in, and cleaning up after the meal. The time commitment is two hours.  Please note that due to capacity this opportunity is limited to individual sign-ups. Student, staff, and community groups interested in volunteering should contact the OCE directly to learn more about group volunteering opportunities. UMB Students: Successful completion of the UMB Service and Volunteer Micro-course is required to participate in this opportunity. Please email malikabrown@umaryland.edu for any questions.   For questions about Community Meals, contact Sarah Porter at 410-706-2311.